"Could this also mean Kevin Durant returns?" - NBA fans thrilled over potential return of Seattle SuperSonics franchise
Seattle reportedly remains a "frontrunner" to land an NBA expansion team, with the return of the SuperSonics looking increasingly likely. A recent report outlining how a potential Seattle expansion squad would reclaim its franchise history made NBA fans excited and nostalgic.
The SuperSonics have an extensive history dating back to their 1967 inception. They won three Western Conference titles, taking home the 1979 NBA championship. They also retired six players' jersey numbers.
Nevertheless, in 2008, after failing to get funding for a new arena, the organization relocated to Oklahoma City, getting renamed the Thunder. Since then, Seattle has reportedly been the biggest market without an NBA team, with fans consistently calling for the city to receive an expansion franchise.
In 2021, Seattle opened its renovated Climate Pledge Arena, the home of the NHL's Kraken and WNBA's Storm. Thus, the city appears primed to rejoin the NBA.
In a Tuesday article, ESPN reported that Seattle and Las Vegas have long been considered the "frontrunners" to receive expansion teams. The article later detailed what would happen if the SuperSonics were to make their highly anticipated return.
According to the publication, the potential expansion franchise would take back its history from OKC, as publicized upon the team's relocation.
"Sources said if a team was to return to Seattle, the Thunder would cede the Seattle history back to the SuperSonics — just as the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets reclaimed the Charlotte-era history of the New Orleans Pelicans when Charlotte switched from being the Bobcats to the Hornets in 2014," ESPN reported.
Following the report, fans on X/Twitter were elated about the SuperSonics' possible homecoming.
"Let’s be real, SuperSonics just hits different. The Thunder can’t match that iconic vibe," @ZoSpicyDubs said.
The NBA just isn’t the same without the Seattle SuperSonics," @english_shamar wrote.
"[The] Sonics coming back is [fire]," @CelticsPost said.
Meanwhile, others speculated about Phoenix Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant finishing his career with Seattle. Durant was drafted No. 2 by the SuperSonics in the 2007 NBA draft, playing one season with the organization before its relocation.
"Could this also mean KD returns to Seattle?" @sagemodepatrick said.
"KD farewell tour in Seattle before he retires," @spoonlocks wrote.
When could Seattle SuperSonics make their NBA return?
While NBA fans are looking forward to the Seattle SuperSonics' potential return, it still isn't a sure thing and could take time.
In its report, ESPN noted that "it should not be assumed the NBA will definitely select" Seattle and Las Vegas as expansion destinations. Moreover, it added that it is expected to be a few more years before the league expands.
"League sources and people who are working on forming bidding groups are targeting the 2027-28 season. Although starting in 2026-27 isn't impossible, it has become more unrealistic," ESPN reported.
Kevin Durant turns 36 later this month. So, there's no guarantee he will still be playing by the 2027-28 season, which would set him up for a possible SuperSonics reunion. Nevertheless, it appears more likely than not that Seattle will get another shot at running an NBA team.
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